Alfuzosin
About
Alfuzosin belongs to the group of medicines called alpha-blockers used to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy. Benign prostatic hyperplasia occurs due to non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland due to the multiplication of the cells. Benign prostatic hypertrophy/hyperplasia mostly occurs in older men.
Alfuzosin contains ‘Alfuzosin’ that works by blocking the receptors (alpha 1) on the prostate gland, bladder and urethra (urine pipe). Alfuzosin relaxes the muscles of the bladder and prostate; this reduces the narrowing of the urethra. Thereby, helps in relieving the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and makes it easier to pass urine.
You are advised to take Alfuzosin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache, and dry mouth. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Rise slowly from a sitting/lying position as Alfuzosin may cause dizziness or weakness. Alfuzosin is intended for use in men only; women should not take Alfuzosin, especially pregnant or breastfeeding women. Alfuzosin should not be given to children as safety and efficacy have not been established. Alfuzosin may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid or limit alcohol consumption with Alfuzosin as it could lead to increased dizziness. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications before taking Alfuzosin to rule out any side-effects.
Uses of Alfuzosin
Medicinal Benefits
Alfuzosin belongs to the group of medicines called alpha-blockers. Alfuzosin is used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) in men. Alfuzosin relieves the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia by blocking the receptors (alpha 1) on the prostate gland, bladder and urethra (urine pipe). Alfuzosin works by relaxing the muscles of the bladder and prostate; this reduces the narrowing of the urethra. Thereby, helps in relieving the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and makes it easier to pass urine. Alfuzosin is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia such as painful urination, difficulty in urination, excess urination, incomplete urination, leakage of urine, dribbling at the end of the urinary stream, and urgency in urination.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Alfuzosin
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Dry mouth
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Alfuzosin if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you are taking any other alpha-blockers; if you have postural hypotension or severe liver problems. Inform your doctor if you have angina, urinary tract infections or crystals in the formed water, high blood pressure, circulatory problems, heart problems; if you are due to undergo any surgery that requires anaesthesia; if you are older than 65years or if you get painful erections before or during the treatment that will not go away. Talk to your doctor before taking Alfuzosin if you are undergoing eye surgery. Alfuzosin is intended for use in men only; women should not take Alfuzosin, especially pregnant or breastfeeding women. Alfuzosin should not be given to children as safety and efficacy have not been established. Alfuzosin may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid or limit alcohol consumption with Alfuzosin as it could lead to increased dizziness. Rise slowly from a sitting/lying position as Alfuzosin can cause dizziness or weakness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Alfuzosin may interact with PDE inhibitors (tadalafil, sildenafil), anti-hypertensive (metoprolol), anti-fungal (ketoconazole, itraconazole), antiretroviral (ritonavir), nitrates (glyceryl trinitrate), antibiotics (clarithromycin, telithromycin), anti-depressant (nefazodone).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have hypotension (low blood pressure), QT prolongation, liver or kidney impairment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Alfuzosin as it may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
unsafeAlfuzosin belongs to pregnancy category B. Alfuzosin is intended for use in men only; women should not take Alfuzosin, especially pregnant women.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAlfuzosin is intended for use in men only; women should not take Alfuzosin.
Driving
cautionAlfuzosin may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionAlfuzosin should not be used if you have moderate to severe liver impairment. The safety of Alfuzosin in patients with mild hepatic impairment has not been established. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be necessary. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeAlfuzosin should not be given to children as safety and efficacy have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Urinate as soon as you feel the urge.
- Avoid excess caffeine and alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- Practice kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles.
- Reduce stress levels by doing yoga or meditation. Nervousness can increase the frequency of urination.
Special Advise
- Regular monitoring of blood pressure is advised while taking Alfuzosin, especially at the beginning of the treatment.
- If you are due to have any surgery that requires a general anaesthetic, inform your doctor that you are taking Alfuzosin. Your doctor may advise you to stop taking Alfuzosin 24hours prior to the surgery to prevent lowering of blood pressure.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Benign prostatic hyperplasia: The prostate is a small, muscular gland in the male reproductive system which surrounds the urethra. Benign prostatic hyperplasia occurs due to non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland due to the multiplication of the cells. Benign prostatic hypertrophy/hyperplasia mostly occurs in older men. This causes the prostate gland to swell, which leads to the squeezing of the urethra and limits the urine flow. The symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia include painful urination, difficulty in urination, excess urination, incomplete urination, leakage of urine, dribbling at the end of the urinary stream, and urgency in urination. An enlarged prostate is a normal condition of men ageing due to changes in male sex hormones.
FAQs
Alfuzosin works by relaxing the muscles of the bladder and prostate; this reduces the narrowing of the urethra. Thereby, helps in relieving the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and making it easier to pass urine.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Alfuzosin. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help in stimulating saliva and thereby prevents drying of the mouth.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Alfuzosin. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience severe diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Orthostatic hypotension, also known as postural hypotension, could be a side-effect of Alfuzosin. Postural hypotension is a sudden lowering in blood pressure leading to dizziness on standing. If you experience this, do not try to stand up suddenly or start walking, instead, lie down and get up slowly only when you feel better.
Talk to your doctor before taking Alfuzosin with anti-fungal medicines such as ketoconazole and itraconazole, and antiretroviral medicines such as ritonavir as they might increase the blood levels of Alfuzosin.
Prostatic carcinoma is the cancer of the prostate gland, whereas benign prostatic hyperplasia is the non-cancerous growth of the prostate. Prostatic carcinoma and benign prostatic hyperplasia may have the same symptoms. Therefore, people with benign prostatic hyperplasia should be examined prior to starting the treatment with Alfuzosin to rule out the presence of carcinoma of the prostate.
If you are due to have or are undergoing cataract surgery, inform the doctor that you are taking Alfuzosin. This will help the doctor to manage the complications in advance, which could occur during the surgery.
Consult your doctor before taking Alfuzosin with nitrates. Taking Alfuzosin with medicines used to treat angina/chest pain, such as nitrates (nitroglycerin, glyceryl trinitrate) may cause severe lowering of blood pressure.
